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State Senator Daniel Squadron Has Resigned

Disappointing news this morning—our state senator, Daniel Squadron, is resigning as of this Friday. Can’t blame him for wanting to get out of Albany, literally and figuratively, but he always seemed like one of the good ones. Here’s the letter, along with a map of the 26th District:

For years, we’ve fought together for a better Albany and a stronger district. From the beginning, your support, advice, energy—and, yes, criticism—have been an enormous inspiration. That’s why I wanted to let you know directly why I have decided to resign from the Senate this Friday.

Like many across the country, since November, I’ve thought a lot about how best to change the direction of our country, and stand up for core values that are under threat. After much reflection, I have decided to lend my hand to make a difference in states across the country, pushing policies and candidates that will create a fairer and more democratic future.

It’s not possible to take on this challenge and continue to be a full-time legislator, which is what I always promised I would be.

When I was first elected in 2008 in a season of hope and change, I hoped to bring enthusiasm for government to the district, and a government to be more proud of to Albany. Though progress has sometimes been slow—and there is much more to do in this much less hopeful time—the many constituents, colleagues, and staff with whom I’ve partnered have kept that enthusiasm, and pride in public service, alive.

Together, we’ve secured millions for public housing, storm resiliency, and waterfront parks. We’ve won a Lunar New Year school holiday, and a more equitable parks system. We’ve fought to hold Albany accountable, cut through red tape, advocated for subways, and tried (and tried, and tried) to fix a corrupt campaign finance system. I’ve been grateful for every chance to support a local school, make an intersection safer, or stand up to a bad landlord.

It has truly been an honor to serve the people of the 26th District.

The timing of my decision means the 26th District Senate seat will be filled in this November’s election—and I remain committed to continuing to fight for an empowered Democratic majority.

Thank you again to the many people with whom I’ve worked. Your faith in a better Albany and a stronger district continues to inspire me. And thank you especially to the constituents who hired me over these last nine years. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve.

“I still do. But over the years I have seen it thwarted by a sliver of heavily invested special interests. In the state Senate, for example, Democrats have repeatedly been denied control of the chamber by cynical political deals, despite winning an electoral majority — including in 2016.

“And the status quo has proven extraordinarily durable: It barely shuddered when the leaders of both legislative chambers were convicted of corruption.

[…]

“Of course, while New York is a particularly seedy example, ours is not the only state where a combination of political dealmaking, big money and public distraction have allowed corruption to fester. Once considered laboratories of democracy, too many states have become petri dishes of corruption; rather than increase economic opportunity, they serve the most opportunistic.

[…]

“There are no easy answers, but I believe stronger candidates, a sharpened approach and better policies at the state level can help turn the tide nationally. In the coming months, along with entrepreneur Adam Pritzker and Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University, I will launch a national effort focused on addressing this crisis — joining others already doing important work toward 2018 and beyond.

“It is not possible to devote myself to this goal and serve my constituents at the level they deserve. For this reason, I am announcing my resignation from the state Senate. My decision will not impact the partisan balance of the chamber. The 26th District is safely Democratic, and I am stepping aside with enough time to ensure it will be filled on election day this November. And I will remain committed to doing all I can to support an empowered Democratic majority.”

Daniel is terrific – I was blown away the first time I met him and heard him speak and he’s consistently impressed me as my State Senator. It’s disappointing – I took pride in having one of the good ones representing me…but I have a feeling he’ll go on to do more exciting, worthwhile stuff and might just save the country in the process. Good luck, Mr. Senator! (and yeah, he’s make a terrific mayor or Congressman or who knows what.)